“I have sought your presence today to formally request your sister’s hand in marriage,” Peter said confidently, not breaking eye contact with the Duke.
A hushed silence enveloped the room, and Emma’s breath was caught in her throat. Peter’s words held immense weight, and the Duke observed him with a measured gaze. As he contemplated his request, he knew that his sister’s future happiness was at stake.
“Lord Shalrow, I appreciate the candor that you have displayed in asking for my sister’s hand formally,” the Duke finally spoke. “However, marriage is a sacred bond and a great responsibility. Before I can agree, I must first ascertain if your intentions towards my sister are pure.”
Peter straightened his posture immediately. “Your Grace, I assure you that my intentions towards Lady Emma are most honorable. I hold her in the highest regard, and my only wish is to make her happy.” His words were laced with conviction.
The Duke nodded. “Are you able to provide for my sister and ensure that she has a comfortable life for all her days ahead?”
Peter nodded firmly. “As the oldest in the Cluett household, I am confident that I can provide for your sister. I lost my parents when I was only seven, and it has taught me what it means to step up and be responsible. Furthermore, I inherited my family’s estate, and I maintain a steady income.”
His words resonated with the Duke and he found himself warming up to Peter. Henry had had a similar life trajectory, having lost his father in his teens and inherited the dukedom at an early age.
“Emma is very dear to me,” the Duke continued, albeit his tone was softer now. “You have proven to me that you are worthy of her affections. I am impressed with your conduct and character.”
Relief washed over Peter’s face, and his eyes glimmered with hope. “Your Grace, I am truly grateful for your acknowledgment and kind words.”
“Emma.” The Duke turned towards his sister. “What do you say about Lord Shalrow’s proposal? Do you share his sentiments?”
Even though it was not necessary to ask Emma during this step of the proposal, he still wanted to get her consent. Most men around the Duke considered women as secondary to them and therefore disregarded their opinions. But the Duke valued his sister’s opinion and considered her as an equal.
“I do.” She nodded timidly, but the happiness on her face was blatant. “I accept his proposal with all my heart.”
“It is settled, then,” the Duke said, and there was a collective sigh of relief across the room.
A rare smile graced his face, which was otherwise occupied by a serious expression, and he extended his hand for Peter to shake.
“I hereby give you my blessing to marry my sister. I pray that your union is one that is founded on love.”
Peter stepped forward, clasping the Duke’s hand, and shaking it firmly. “Thank you, Your Grace. You shall see that I intend to keep my promises to her and will make it my life’s mission to make her as happy as she can be. I love her deeply.”
The Duke nodded and then looked over at Emma, who seemed to be overwhelmed with happiness. She smiled at him before shyly looking away and hiding her face. His mother nodded in appreciation, looking at both her children with a look of pride.
“I shall take your word for it,” the Duke stated. “This is a joyous occasion, and I believe it calls for a celebration. I hereby extend an invitation to you and your family to visit us at Hopestyn Estate. It would give our families the chance to cultivate a deeper understanding between us.”
Peter nodded eagerly. “I agree with your sentiment. An opportunity to spend some time together will be mutually beneficial.”
“I am glad.” The Duke inclined his head appreciatively. “Hopestyn Estate is prepared to receive you and your family at the earliest notice with the utmost hospitality.”
“On behalf of my family, I accept your invitation,” Peter said. “We are a small household, with only my two siblings and our grandmother.”
“I look forward to meeting them.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. Your generosity and acceptance mean a great deal to me.”
The two concluded their conversation on a high note. As Peter made his leave, the Duke noticed that he shared a loving look with Emma and she blushed before looking away.
* * *
“You have grown up so fast,” the Dowager Duchess found herself in a rare emotional moment when she looked at her two children, who were sitting across her from the dining table at dinner that night. “It was only yesterday that the two of you were playing outside in the garden, and now look at you, old enough to be married off.”
Emma had not stopped smiling for a single minute since it had been confirmed that Peter’s proposal was accepted. “I am sure Father would be proud of us if he saw us today,” she said, wistfully.
“Of course, he had great expectations from his children.” Modesty nodded. “He would be pleased to see who you have grown up to be. Especially my son, Henry. Today, I saw a glimpse of your father in you.”
The Duke nodded. He was not one for displaying emotions, but hearing his mother compare him to his late father filled him with a sense of pride. Duty to his family was his highest priority, and it felt good when his mother affirmed his abilities to do so.
“Emma is the first of my children to get married,” Modesty continued, gazing lovingly at her daughter. “We must celebrate.”
